Comparing columns and returning value

[Esmel]

I am only 15 doing my schooling from Mumbai & learning basics of computer application in which excel is quite tough to understand .I am having personal computer at my home and I have a spread sheet and i don't know how to compare the values of two columns and return the value from the another column. Anybody is there to suggest me on this.

[kattman]

As Microsoft excel is a formula based application it is used to calculate all arithmetic problems . So each calculation is based on some formulas which are used to calculate the different values. So, in your case you can use the given formula for the comparison of two column and return the value in the other column. The formula is 'Vlookup' it searches the value in the left most column of the table and return the value in the same row according to the index-number.

[ThoMas321]

If you are getting problem in comparing the column and want to return the value in the other column than you should to use the Vlookup formula.IF you are not getting the given formula than you can follow the example given below:

- I put your table in A1:E6
- I put 1:00 in G1
- I put 25 May 2009 in H1

=VLOOKUP(G1,$A$1:$E$6,MATCH(H1,$A$1:$E$1,1),0)

This formula will find the value of G1 and the return value from the column determine by MATCH function.

[Esmel]

I tried this but I am unable to use the described formula . Please tell me in detail how to use this formula. Actually I have never heard about this type of formula please tell me step by step how to use this Vlookup in Microsoft excel. I am so confused about this even I don't know what is Vlookup.

[chroma]

It is very simple to use as it looks.It has only 4 steps to follow:

1.Add the new column to your worksheet which display the info from the table.You can add any example such as students name, vehicle name, political party etc. in one column.

2.Place the cursor in the first blank cell in that column.

3. From the Insert menu, select Function…. The Insert Function dialog will appear.

4.In that dialog box in search for function type "vlookup" and click on GO.

5.Now Vlookup will highlight and than click on OK.

After following these steps you will come to know how to use the formula this will help you to return the value in other column.

[ranjankumar09]

For comparing two columns (let's say A and B), enter this forumla in row 1, column C.

=IF(A1>B2, A1, B1)

1. Any value beginning with = is considered a formula.
2. The syntax =IF(x, y, z) means, if x is true, then value is y, else value is z.

Play with the formula until you get just the right formula. When you have the correct formula in row 1, copy that formula into all rows.

Always use the help. Open help, then search for IF. It will point you in the correct direction.

I am glad you are learning excel forumals. Good luck.